Harris N.A. wanted to open a new bank branch in Elmhurst, Illinois. However, the selected site had been a former gas station and required environmental remediation. During remediation, the excavated soil had been backfilled with uncompacted stone, making the site unstable. Initial bids to fix the issue were over $300,000. Through analysis, a more cost effective solution of $60,000 was developed to stabilize the site. While this delayed construction by two weeks, the project was ultimately completed on time and $100,000 under budget.

1. |El
HARRIS N.A. Case Study
mhurst, IL
Harris N.A. is a financial institution with bank branches spanning all over the Midwest.
Harris Corporate Real Estate identified it had no presence in the Chicago Suburb of
Elmhurst so it found a site located at a major southern entrance to Elmhurst. Jones Lang
LaSalle was hired to shepherd Harris through the city and zoning process in preparation
for the construction of the new bank branch.
Despite appearing clean, level and having a nice gravel base the site was not suitable to
build on. This site had been a former gas station and the underground tanks had leaked
over the years requiring site remediation. This had been completed prior to Bank’s
permit approval, however, during remediation the excavated soil had been back filled
with uncompacted stone creaating an unstable base.
Before construction could commence, the stone fill had to be stabalized. Initial bids to
excavate and replaced stone fill were over $300,000. After a thorough review with the
architect, general contractor, structural engineers and environmental engineers we
reached a cost effective and strategic solution to pump out underground water, excavate,
place back existing stone with proper compaction and provide necessary CA-6 fill to
bring site to proper footing bearing strength and grade. This alternative solution reduced
CHALLENGE
the cost to $60,000, which the landlord and environmental remediation contractor
• Client has no in-house Corporate Real Estate
agreed to pay. Project Managers
• Tough environmental site and difficult city
Although the work delayed construction start by two weeks, the project experienced no approval process
delays due to weather and was delivered on time and $100,000 under budget. The branch
was greeted by enthusiasm by local residence and booked 50% of its projected two year SOLUTION
revenues in the first three weeks of business. • Managed the approval and zoning process,
coordinated and work with all parties involved
• Performed analysis and developed a solution that
benefitted all parties involved
RESULTS
• This project was completed on time and under
$100,000 of the final budget
SERVICES PROVIDED
• Project Management
For more information, contact:
Mike Yazbec
+1 312 228 2641
mike.yazbec@am.jll.com
WWW.JONESLANGLASALLE.COM
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